Newsletter Articles

IVCA Illinois Legislative ReportDavid Stricklin, IVCA Legislative Liaison, Stricklin & Associates LEGISLATURE READIES FOR RETURN TO SESSION The Illinois General Assembly begins its work in 2026 with the Senate in session next week and the House the week following. Much of the activity in January will be organizational and preparatory when Governor Pritzker delivers his…

SIGMA acquires manufacturer and supplier of waterworks castings and polymer enclosures Cream Ridge, N.J., January 7, 2026 – Sigma Companies International Corp. (“SIGMA”), a portfolio company of Wind Point Partners (“Wind Point”) and leading manufacturer and supplier of critical waterworks infrastructure products, has acquired Masonry Supply, Inc. (“MSI”) and its associated Tricast-branded product line.  Based…

New Partnership Leverages PPC’s Experience in the Food Manufacturing and Private Label Sector CHICAGO – (January 6, 2026) – PPC, a leading family investment firm focused on partnering with family, founder and management-owned businesses, today announced the acquisition of NaturPak. NaturPak manufactures and packages a broad portfolio of bone broths, soups, sauces, and wet pet food,…

Effective January 1, 2026, the Illinois Venture Capital Association (IVCA) is pleased to announce its Board and Executive Committee leadership for the year ahead. Ira Weiss, Partner at Hyde Park Venture Partners, The University of Chicago Booth School of Business, has assumed the role of Board Chair, and Shoshana Vernick, Managing Partner at Avathon Capital,…

IVCA Illinois Legislative ReportDavid Stricklin, IVCA Legislative Liaison, Stricklin & Associates LANDMARK TRANSIT PLAN BECOMES LAW Governor Pritzker and legislative leaders yesterday celebrated signing into law the mass transit reform and funding package passed during the veto session. The bill was initially to be funded by a grab-bag of taxes including a “billionaires” tax on…

For the 25th Anniversary year, the IVCA recently honored their 2025 awardees at the IVCA Awards Dinner – which took place on December 8th – and the recipient of the IVCA Rising Star Award was M25 Ventures, represented by Managing Partner Victor Gutwein. The Rising Star Award recognizes the firm that demonstrate exceptional promise and…

For the 25th Anniversary year, the IVCA recently honored their 2025 awardees at the IVCA Awards Dinner – which took place on December 8th – and the recipient of the IVCA Foundation Award was Shoshana Vernick, Co-Founder/Managing Director of Avathon Capital. The IVCA Foundation Award recognizes an individual or firm who has significantly contributed to…

Celebrating 25 Years of IVCA Excellence!The IVCA Annual Awards Dinner marked a milestone – 25 years of impact on Illinois’ private equity and venture capital ecosystem. Thank you to our members, sponsors, and guests for making this celebration unforgettable! Event Highlights ✔ 410 attendees✔ 150+ firms represented✔ Special remarks from Governor JB Pritzker, a founding…

Monday, December 8th | Four Seasons Chicago As IVCA celebrates its 25th Anniversary, we’re taking a moment to look back at the milestones that built the foundation for today’s thriving investment ecosystem. In 2010, IVCA published “A Decade of Influence”—a retrospective capturing the first ten years of advocacy, collaboration, and growth for Illinois’ venture capital…

Monday, December 8th Four Seasons Chicago This year’s event will bring together more than 400 attendees, including legislators, policymakers, and top executives from leading firms making a powerful evening of recognition and connection. We’ve planned a refreshed look with special touches to make this milestone celebration truly memorable. It promises to be an extraordinary night…